Job Discussion Forums

shatov · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 21

I'm applying for jobs in Beijing at the moment, and have had a job offer from the Shane English School franchise there. The contract is the standard one offered.

Does anyone have any experience with SES in China, particularly with the Beijing franchise?

I'm also talking with an Express English course attached to Beijing International Studies University. Does anybody know anything about them?

PM me if you don't want to say anything publicly.
Thanks in advance.

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

According to English School Watch at www.englishschoolwatch.org, Shane franchises have a rather bad reputation.

NateM · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 358

I also would say I haven't heard too much good to be said about Shane. You're probably better off trying elsewhere. There's plenty of other jobs out there.

shanghai'd · Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Location: shanghai, china

i would stay away from shane. i'm currently living in shanghai, and DO NOT work for shane, but most of my friends do. they are paid poorly; they are asked to work hours out of their contracts; they are driven to work, but this time in the bus/mini bus totals three hours every day that is also unpaid; and their hours are spread out during the day so that they spend hours sitting in an office in between lessons. there are tons of other jobs out there, look at them first.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

My wife and I both worked for Shane last summer in their Hefei (Anhui province) branch. The curriculum was alright and I really liked having semi-decent books to use with the srudents.
The owner was a really nice guy albeit completely unaware of how to run any sort of business. His wife had money and put him in charge of the school.
He had a heard time dealing with foreign teachers but he was still a nice guy. Would i work there again? yeah... as long as i don't teach the little 3 year olds..... only 8 and up from now on.

The new owner of that specific branch of Shane is a good friend but I have no idea as far as his mangement skills go. I have not seen him in a while.

shatov · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 21

Thanks for the responses. Still haven't decided, but the responses have been useful. The pay is actually about the same as the university I'm looking at (taking the free accommodation into account) I guess I could get better paid work, but I'm not that worried about it at the moment.

One thing I read about Shane schools in Japan was how they clawed back money through arranging your accomodation for you, and taking a commission off the rent that you paid. Is anyone aware of that happening in China?
How long does it take to find good accommodation in Beijing if you are looking on your own (with help from a translator)?
What sort of cost should I be looking at for a:
1-bedroom apartment?
2-bedroom apartment?

nolefan: so you know the current owner of the Beijing franchise? if you do, could you describe him as a person (obviously as friends you are a little biased, but still it is nice to know)

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run